Repointing Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire (BA15): The time will come to do a bit of maintenance on your home in Bradford-on-Avon, no matter how old your property happens to be. You will have to act fast if the brickwork on your home is looking shabby, with missing or crumbling mortar, as it will only worsen if it is ignored. To find a cost effective solution to restore your brickwork and guarantee that it stays watertight, you'll have to contact an experienced Bradford-on-Avon brick repointing company.
It is the bricks and mortar that make a property sturdy and protected from the elements. To stop any draughts and moisture from forcing its way in through gaps or holes, and therefore keeping your home dry and warm, the mortar needs to be in a reasonably good state. Is it quite easy to figure out when you may need to do some repointing?
Examine your external brick walls and try to spot any noticeable damage that can be seen with the naked eye. You've got a problem if you can see a problem! In most cases you will be able to see quite clearly any physical signs of degradation, but in places that are remote or hidden, such as under eaves or on chimney stacks; you may need to call on the services of a specialist to help you.
The issues of safety that crumbling or cracked mortar can cause should also be considered, as well as the appearance of your building. Mortar is the binding agent that holds everything together in any Bradford-on-Avon house, and if badly damaged can affect the integrity of a building. There can be severe implications and maybe even a risk to life, in buildings that have become unstable and weakened in this way.
If you're restoring an older property or your mortar has been neglected over the years, you might also have to replace brickwork that has been damaged or weakened. To ensure the perfect finish to your property, a respectable Bradford-on-Avon brick repointing service will repair any damaged brickwork before finishing the mortar repointing.
If the exterior walls of your Bradford-on-Avon home have been painted or rendered in the past you might see areas that are discoloured or prone to damp. It could all point to more severe problems underneath, if you start to detect bubbling, flaking or cracks of the paint or plaster. It's wise to seek the advice of a professional repointing company who can investigate the cause of the issue, and stop the damage widening and causing more complex problems at a later date. After that you can have the peace of mind knowing that your external walls are in the best possible condition, and that the repointing work has been completed by an expert.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR REPOINTING BRICKWORK IN BRADFORD-ON-AVON?
Repointing takes time to complete properly and will involve working at considerable height in a lot of cases. When you speak to a repointing firm, the initial thing they'll want to do is complete a visual inspection of the property, so they can assess the work that's needed and the severity of the damage. A survey is the only way in which a repointing company can give you an itemised quote for the amount of work that is needed on your brickwork. Always get 2 or 3 quotations and don't automatically assume cheapest is best.
Ladders, or even a scaffold might be necessary to get access to out-of-reach areas of your home, and an extra site survey may be needed to check this, after you have accepted a specific quotation. If more serious problems are exposed by this more in depth survey, a revised (higher) quotation could result. If your property in Bradford-on-Avon is over sixty years old and has never been repointed then it's quite likely to need additional work than with a more current building.
Once the problems have been identified then work can begin. So that a secure working platform is available for the repointing contractors, some sort of scaffolding will almost certainly need to be erected on most Bradford-on-Avon homes. This could even be necessary for bungalows and single storey structures. The outside of the scaffolding can then have protective shielding fitted to it. This shielding will prevent any mortar dust or other debris from damaging your house, or neighbouring properties, and is also a safety measure to help prevent injuries to passers-by.
All pipes, cables and conduits that are attached to the wall will be removed or their position adjusted to allow access to the brickwork behind them. After the pointing has been completed these components can all be re-attached.
Lots of properties in Bradford-on-Avon are either pebble-dashed, rendered or painted, and if this is the case with your dwelling, these decorative coverings will need to be stripped off so that the repointing specialists can get to the brickwork. A thorough sanding and cleaning of the bricks behind these coverings will then be essential, to ensure that your walls have a neat and even finish on completion.
A dependable Bradford-on-Avon repointing company will be willing to prepare a small test panel on your brickwork to allow you to settle on the various different finishes available for the mortar, (Flush, Recessed, Weather Struck or Tuck pointing). This should help you visualise the final result and ensure your satisfaction with the finished product with regard to colour and style.
The next thing is to take out the old mortar by raking and scraping out the joints. This is a laborious procedure where any debris, dust and old mortar has to be painstakingly cleaned away to produce a good bonding surface for the new mortar. Particular attention and care is made around doors and windows because any movement in the brickwork can lead to problems with their opening and closing.
So that the new mortar doesn't dry out too quickly, the brickwork will be damped down before the new pointing is started. This keeps the mortar flexible and enables it to dry at a slower pace to prevent cracking and generating a weakened joint. Any smears and excess mortar that is left on the brickwork can be cleaned away once the mortar is properly dry. The team will tackle the brickwork in sections, cleaning each one as they go before starting on a new patch.
During this stage the need for any lead flashing replacement, chimney repairs or brick replacement will be completed by your contractor.
As soon as the whole of the property is repointed and cleaned, and if you want to repaint the bricks or re-apply the rendering, now is the time to do this. The pipes and cables will be reattached and the final phase of the repointing project will be to take down the scaffolding and work platforms and remove all debris and building waste from the site.
A reputable Bradford-on-Avon repointing and bricklaying company will provide you with a solution that will last up to 60 years. Guarantees that are offered for the repointing should have an affiliation with providers and manufacturers from the building industry giving cover for substandard materials.
Accreditation can take many forms, however those that stand out in the repointing industry are: the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the National House Building Council (NHBC) and the National Federation of Building Contractors (NFBC), with qualifications and certifications from industry front-runners like the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Each individual who does work on repointing and repairing your property is also required to be signed up to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and be prepared to prove their skills and ability by showing an appropriate CSCS card.
Beyond Aesthetics: Why Repointing is Essential for Building Health
As time goes by, mortar can be subject to various threats that can contribute to its eventual deterioration:
- Weathering: The harsh elements of wind, freezing temperatures and rain take their toll on mortar over time, causing it to weaken and crack, eventually crumbling.
- Natural ageing: Mortar loses its strength naturally over time, becoming more at risk of damage.
- Structure movement: Moving foundations or other structural movement can put stress on the mortar joints, leading to cracking and separation.
- Incompatible mortar composition: Inappropriate mortar choice can have undesirable effects. If the mortar isn't suited to the application, it can deteriorate more rapidly and potentially clash with the pre-existing materials.
Damaged or weakened mortar is carefully removed and replaced with new, compatible material during repointing. By re-establishing the bond between the bricks or stones, this process reinforces the structure effectively. This is especially crucial for older buildings in Bradford-on-Avon, where the original mortar may have deteriorated over time. Regular repointing is crucial for extending the life of these structures and preserving their historical and architectural character.
The Major Benefits
- Waterproofing: Damaged mortar joints can allow water to penetrate the structure, leading to significant problems like mould growth, rot, and even structural issues. The watertight seal achieved through repointing preserves structural integrity and prevents issues.
- Preventing further damage: Early identification and repair of damaged mortar joints prevents further structural deterioration, saving money on future repairs and potentially avoiding more extensive damage.
- Maintaining historical value: Using traditional materials and techniques in repointing is essential for preserving the cultural heritage and architectural integrity of historic buildings.
- Enhancing visual appeal: Proper repointing ensures the building's aesthetic charm endures. Stone and brick facades' overall appearance is affected by the mortar joints. By giving the building a well-maintained and fresh look, repointing significantly enhances its visual appeal.
Repointing sharpens the appearance of brickwork and enhances the overall aesthetic of structures. Long-term building care benefits significantly from repointing, which preserves structural integrity, prevents water ingress and enhances aesthetics.
Repointing work can be undertaken in Bradford-on-Avon and also in nearby places like: Freshford, Great Chalfield, Little Chalfield, Upper Westwood, Staverton, Trowle Common, Conkwell, Wingfield, Winsley, Avoncliff, Lower Westwood, Great Cumberwell, Turleigh, Little Ashley, Great Ashley, Woolley Green, and in these postcodes BA15 1AU, BA15 1LW, BA15 1DT, BA15 1ES, BA15 1FW, BA15 1DS, BA15 1NG, BA15 1AE, BA15 1JU, and BA15 1BQ. Locally based Bradford-on-Avon repointing companies will most likely have the telephone code 01225 and the postcode BA15.
Garden Wall Repointing Bradford-on-Avon
Repointing garden walls in Bradford-on-Avon is a crucial upkeep job that maintains the strength and appearance of your outdoor masonry. Due to the effects of weather and age, the mortar holding bricks or stones together can deteriorate, weakening the wall and making it appear unsightly. By removing old, damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar, repointing restores the wall's stability and appearance.
To repoint a garden wall in Bradford-on-Avon, the process begins with cautiously chipping out the defective mortar from the joints. This operation requires a delicate approach to safeguard the stones or bricks from damage. After extracting the old mortar, newly mixed binding material is introduced to the gaps, ensuring proper compression for a robust connection and seal.
In addition to increasing its strength, repointing enhances the visual appeal of your garden wall in Bradford-on-Avon. A well-repointed wall can dramatically transform the look of your garden, giving it a polished and cared-for appearance. In addition, repointing stops water from seeping into the wall, preventing further damage and deterioration over time. To keep your garden wall in good condition for many years to come, regular upkeep, including repointing, is essential. (Garden Wall Repointing Bradford-on-Avon)
Patch Repointing Bradford-on-Avon
Patch repointing is a more focused and cost-efficient solution, targeting only specific damaged areas, unlike a full-blown repoint, which involves renewing the mortar across the entire surface of a building. Keeping brickwork in good shape, particularly in older structures in Bradford-on-Avon, involves essential patch repointing. Exposed to the elements, the mortar that is sandwiched between the bricks suffers deterioration over time. When such deterioration occurs, it's essential to repair these areas to prevent further damage and keep the structure secure. Patch repointing involves raking-out the defective mortar and replacing it with new mortar, matching the original as closely as possible. By this process, the appearance of the brickwork is not only restored, but the wall's integrity is also strengthened.
Preserving their properties, a growing number of Bradford-on-Avon property managers and homeowners are turning to patch pointing and repointing services. In areas prone to harsh weather, such services are particularly important, as water that seeps into cracks and freezes can cause major damage. To guarantee an effective and seamless repair, the right type of mortar to match the building's age and style is meticulously chosen by professionals providing these services in Bradford-on-Avon.
The choice to invest in patch repointing services, can prevent more serious structural problems in the future, and save cash in the long term. Areas that need attention can be identified through regular inspections, which allows for repairs to be executed in a timely manner. Using specialist repointing services enables householders in Bradford-on-Avon to ensure their buildings are safe, visually appealing and functional for a long time to come. (Patch Repointing Bradford-on-Avon)
Brickwork Joint Raking Bradford-on-Avon
To remove old, crumbling mortar from between the bricks in a wall, brickwork joint raking is used. This is normally performed before repointing, where new mortar is applied to the joints. Ensuring that the new mortar bonds nicely with the brickwork, raking out the old mortar provides a durable and strong finish.
The process utilises specialised tools such as a mortar raking blade or a raking bar to remove the existing mortar cautiously, ensuring the bricks are not damaged. Removing the mortar to the correct depth, normally around fifteen to twenty millimetres, is essential to ensure the new mortar adheres and sets properly.
By raking out and renewing the joints, brickwork appearance and lifespan are enhanced. It helps prevent damage to the structure from water ingress, keeping the brickwork looking good and maintaining the integrity of the building. This makes joint raking a crucial step in the restoration and maintenance of brick walls in Bradford-on-Avon. (Brickwork Joint Raking Bradford-on-Avon)
Ridge Tile Repointing Bradford-on-Avon
Ridge tiles and mortar joints should be examined at least every other year. Repointing simple mortar cracks can prevent leaking roofs and costly re-roofing work in Bradford-on-Avon. Pay close attention to ridge tiles as they're exposed to the extremes of the weather from all sides and may exhibit cracks in the mortar joints before other tiles on the roof. If you discover cracks in the mortar between ridge tiles, the options are rebed the ridge tile or repoint the joints.
If the cracks are minor and the tile appears to be firmly bedded, repointing the mortar is a satisfactory option. If the cracks in the mortar are as wide as the mortar joint itself and the ridge tile seems to have some movement, it's a better idea to rebed the whole tile rather than repointing. If you repoint a tile that's no longer strongly bedded, the repair will not last very long and the crack will quickly reappear.
Safety is the most important thing to remember when repointing in Bradford-on-Avon. When working on the roof, be sure to tie off ladders to a sturdy structure. Together with thinking about your own safety on the roof, it's also advisable to establish a roped-off area on the ground, where falling objects may land. Repointing ridge tiles is the same process as repointing brick or block work. Once you are secured, use a metal spike to rake out loose mortar in joints that you've decided need repointing. Dampen the joint, apply mortar, and use a pointing trowel to smooth the joints between the ridge tiles.
Unfortunately, at times a ridge tile needs to be rebedded instead of repointed which requires a bit more work. Again, be sure to follow all safety precautions while working at height. Use a chisel and hammer to remove the mortar as well as the ridge tile. Use the hammer and chisel to remove the mortar from the bed on the roof, and mortar from the bottom of the ridge tile. Once the ridge tile is off, replacing the ridge iron is a good idea, especially if there's any sign of rust. Remove any organic matter such as mould or moss and spray on a fungicide to make certain the area is protected in the future. Then soak the area in water whilst mixing mortar. Mix a stiff mortar in a ratio of 3:1 (sharp sand: cement). Dampen the tile and roof as you proceed. Put mortar on both sides of the ridge tile and use a trowel to lay a bed of mortar on the roof. Position on the mortar bed and firmly press down. Remove any mortar that oozes out between joints. Make certain the joint gaps are filled, and smooth joints with pointing trowel.
Brick Cleaning
Brick cleaning is a technique that removes stains, muck and grime from brick walls. The appearance of brickwork can be compromised over time due to the damaging effects of pollution and weather exposure. With its ability to restore the original texture and colour of the bricks, brick cleaning can significantly enhance the appearance of the building.
The techniques used for brick cleaning can vary and may include power washing, chemical cleaning and sandblasting. When it comes to brick cleaning, the method selected will depend on a variety of factors, including the condition of the bricks and the nature of the stains. To avoid damaging the bricks or adjacent areas, it is important to hire a competent brick cleaning service with expertise in the field.
A conscientious approach to the environment should be a key consideration when selecting a contractor for brick cleaning services. Furthermore, to avoid any surprises, it is important to choose a company that offers a detailed timeline and quote for the project.
Mortar Colour Matching
Any brick repointing or restoration project in Bradford-on-Avon places great significance on mortar colour matching. The aim is to unify the new and existing mortar, preserving a consistent look and honouring the structure's initial appearance. This process demands the precise choice of the right type and colour of cement, sand, along with any additives incorporated. To conduct this process, one needs a discerning outlook and a good understanding of how materials behave and evolve over the course of time. The overall appearance of the structure can be undermined by mortar that is mismatched, highlighting the importance of specialist colour matching for repointing success. Committing to precise mortar colour matching is pivotal for integrating restored areas seamlessly with the older sections, thus upholding the building's historical and aesthetic integrity. (28906 - Mortar Colour Matching Bradford-on-Avon)
Repointing Specialists Near Bradford-on-Avon
Also find: Little Ashley repointing, Upper Westwood repointing, Freshford repointing, Wingfield repointing, Staverton repointing, Lower Westwood repointing, Conkwell repointing, Winsley repointing, Great Ashley repointing, Trowle Common repointing, Woolley Green repointing, Little Chalfield repointing, Turleigh repointing, Avoncliff repointing, Great Chalfield repointing, Great Cumberwell repointing and more. Contractors who do repointing can be found in the majority of these localities. These specialists have the knowledge and expertise to do an outstanding job on your brickwork walls. If your brickwork is starting to look tattered and neglected, seeking the expertise of professionals to fix it could be a good idea. Repointing quotes are available to local residents by clicking here.
Bradford-on-Avon Repointing Tasks
Just Some of the Work That a Repointing Specialist Can Do
There is a range of work that can be undertaken by your local Bradford-on-Avon repointing specialist including strap pointing and re-pointing, lime mortar repairs, pointing and re-pointing paving, the repointing of chimney stacks, brick & mortar tinting, lime mortar repointing in Bradford-on-Avon, brick inspections, fireplace repointing, brick repointing, weather struck re-pointing, brickwork conservation in Bradford-on-Avon, repointing rates, brickwork sealing, stone strengthening in Bradford-on-Avon, industrial repointing, stone pointing, rubble masonry, lintel replacement, brickwork cleaning, brick joint renovation, porch repointing in Bradford-on-Avon, re-mortaring of brick joints, brick step repointing, stone restoration, re-pointing crazy paving, lead valleys renewed or repaired, the repointing of patios in Bradford-on-Avon, residential repointing, chimney repointing, bed joint reinforcement, and repointing scaffolding. Listed are just a few of the activities that are accomplished by experts in repointing. Bradford-on-Avon companies will be happy to inform you of their full range of pointing and repointing services.
Other Tradespeople in Bradford-on-Avon: Bradford-on-Avon home improvement projects normally require the expertise of various different tradespeople, and although you're currently focused on finding repointing services in Bradford-on-Avon, a renderer in Bradford-on-Avon, a building contractor in Bradford-on-Avon, scaffold hire in Bradford-on-Avon, roof cleaning in Bradford-on-Avon, a basement conversion specialist in Bradford-on-Avon, groundwork in Bradford-on-Avon, a roofing contractor in Bradford-on-Avon, waste removal in Bradford-on-Avon, a window fitter in Bradford-on-Avon, gutter cleaning in Bradford-on-Avon, a stoneworker in Bradford-on-Avon, a carpenter in Bradford-on-Avon, brick cleaning in Bradford-on-Avon, might also be required at some stage during your project.
More: Wall Repointing, Pointing, Slab Repointing, Repointing Specialists, Repointing Specialists, Mortar Raking, Residential Repointing, Brick Pointing, Chimney Repointing, Slab Repointing, Pointing, Brickwork Cleaning, Brickwork Cleaning, Brick Cleaning, Repointing Services, Repointing Services, Repointing Specialists, Slab Repointing, Mortar Repointing, Wall Repointing, Brickwork Sealing, Mortar Repointing, Repointing Specialists, Repointing Services, Repointing, Chimney Repointing, Wall Repointing, Brickwork Repointing, Brick Pointing, Residential Repointing.
TOP - Brick Repointing Bradford-on-Avon
Repointing Mortar Joints Bradford-on-Avon - Brickwork Repairs Bradford-on-Avon - Repointing Chimneys Bradford-on-Avon - Brick Repointing Bradford-on-Avon - Repointing Patios Bradford-on-Avon - House Repointing Bradford-on-Avon - Repointing Estimates Bradford-on-Avon - Brickwork Repointing Bradford-on-Avon - Brick Wall Repointing Bradford-on-Avon